MPs set to debate definition of a human in House of Commons
OTTAWA - The divisive subject of abortion returns to the House of Commons today in a debate over a backbench Conservative MP's motion on the definition of a human being.
No matter the fate of his motion, Stephen Woodworth says the debate will at least shed some light on the matter.
The fact the motion is even being debated has pro-choice forces accusing the Harper government of trying to resurrect an unnecessary national discussion about abortion.
Julie Lalonde of the group Radical Handmaids told a demonstration on Parliament Hill Thursday that women, by now, should be able to take autonomy over their own bodies for granted.
NDP Opposition Leader Tom Mulcair says the motion is just a back-door way for the Conservatives to please their supporters by reopening abortion laws to scrutiny.
Woodworth, who represents Kitchener, Ont., wants a special parliamentary committee to discuss the definition of a human being.
The Tory MP takes issue with Section 223 of Canada's Criminal Code, which states that human life begins when a child emerges from its mother's body.
